Obituary of Ray F. Shenk

Ray F. Shenk, 63, of Manheim, PA, unexpectedly went home to be with his Lord of natural causes on Friday evening, October 28, 2011 surrounded by his loving family. Born in Rapho Twp., Lancaster County, he was the son of the late Earl E. and Katie Flory Shenk. He was the loving husband of Connie L. Yellott Shenk. Ray was an active member of Chiques Church of the Brethren in Manheim where he served as the president and caretaker of the church cemetery. He was a 1966 graduate of Elizabethtown Area High School. During the Vietnam War, he served one year in Brethren Volunteer Service at Farhney-Keedy Home in Boonesboro, MD where he met his wife of 40 years. Ray continued to work at the home for four years after his BVS assignment before returning with his young family to Manheim to work at the family business, E.E. Shenk Sons, Inc. in Elizabethtown where he was partner and business manager. He was gifted at designing and manufacturing equipment for the business and woodworking. He considered spending time with his family extremely important. In addition to his beloved wife, he is survived by his dearest son, R. Scott Shenk of Harrisburg, PA; his precious daughter, A. Rachelle, wife of Rev. Kyle D. Buckwalter, and his cherished grandchildren, Samantha and Braden, of Lititz, PA; six brothers, E. Eugene, husband of Darlene Shenk, of Elizabethtown, PA, Glenn F., husband of Audrey Shenk, of Lititz, Galen F., husband of Nancy Shenk, of Elizabethtown, Marlin F. "Marty", husband of Joyce Shenk, and Gary F., husband of Janice Shenk, all of Manheim, and Jerry F., husband of Julie Shenk, of Hagerstown, MD; and four sisters, Velma F. Shenk and Gladys F., wife of Kenneth Balmer, all of Elizabethtown, Judy F., wife of Jacob Stoltzfus, and Patsy F., wife of Dale Brandt, all of Manheim. He was preceded in death by an infant brother, Wilbur Shenk. A funeral service will be held on Thursday morning, November 3, 2011 at 11:00 AM at Chiques Church of the Brethren, 4045 Sunnyside Road, Manheim, PA 17545. Interment will be in the adjoining cemetery. The family will receive guests at the church on Wednesday from 2-4 PM and 6-8 PM and on Thursday morning from 9:30 AM until the time of the service. If desired, contributions may be made in his name to the building fund of Chiques Church. To express a condolence with the family or to view a webcast of the service, visit www.spencefuneralservices.com.